Hiring an injury lawyer close to home is an important first step in any personal injury case. Most attorneys offer free initial consultations and advice on your issue. But in your search for the ideal litigant, you might forget that the lawyer shouldn’t be the only one to ask questions. You should have questions, too. The initial consultation is the perfect opportunity to interview your potential lawyer to find out if they’re a good fit for your important case.
Important Questions to Ask
Instead of hoping that you’ll know what to ask when the time is right, come up with some questions in advance, write them down, and bring them to your meeting. Consider asking the following questions, which a Cincinnati injury compensation attorney should have no problem addressing:
1) Have you ever worked on cases like mine before?
You should work with an attorney who has considerable experience handling cases that are similar to yours. For example, if you’re seeking compensation for a dog bite injury, you want an attorney who’s experienced and familiar with local laws regarding this type of claim.
2) What are your fees?
Ask your prospective attorney if they work on a contingency basis. This means that they don’t collect fees unless you win your claim. But regardless of the kind of lawyer you’re interviewing, find out what and how they charge for their work so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
3) Can you win my case?
While there’s no way to know the answer to this question for certain, the lawyer should at least be able to provide their honest opinion on your chances of winning. After reviewing the particulars of your situation, they’ll probably indicate the probability that you’ll be able to receive compensation.
4) Have you ever been suspended or accused of misconduct?
This may be a tough question for you to ask, but you have the right to know if your attorney has any violations or pending investigations. You can also check the attorney directory of the Ohio State Bar Association for information about your prospective lawyer.
5) Will you be available to field my questions, and how can I get in touch with you?
Although successful lawyers are typically busy, they should still be available to their clients for questions and to discuss concerns. There’s nothing more frustrating than hiring a local accident attorney that you can’t get in touch with. You should be able to talk with your lawyer when needed and not have to communicate through a receptionist.
Finding a Cincinnati Accident Lawyer You Can Work With
The most important thing about your personal injury consultation is that you feel comfortable working with them. A lawyer should never intimidate or rush you. By taking the time to get to know your lawyer, you can help ensure a better outcome in your claim.
At Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen LPA, Co., we’ll never rush through your case or make you feel ignored. A skilled personal injury attorney will take the time to go through all your information, answer your questions, and help you understand the entire claims process. If you need an attorney, contact us at 513.721.6500 to schedule an appointment or get more information.